Puebla fell to a second defeat in three matches after a 0-1 loss to Toluca at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc. The only goal of the game was a 69th-minute own goal from defender José Pachuca, a cruel blow in a tightly contested match managed by Gerardo Espinoza.
The loss leaves Puebla on 13 points, holding seventh place in the Apertura standings, four points behind leaders Guadalajara. The team now turns its attention to the next fixture, a home game against bottom-placed Atlante FC on Saturday, September 19th, a key match to regain momentum in the league.
A game of fine margins
Espinoza set his side up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Gerardo Espinoza in goal and a back four of R. Gutiérrez, the unfortunate Pachuca, F. Almada and J. Vargas. In midfield, the duo of S. Sanabria and B. Garnica tried to create, but final effectiveness was lacking. Puebla generated 14 shots but only two were on target, while Toluca, with 56% possession, was more clinical. The decisive moment came after an hour of play. A Toluca attacking move ended with a deflection from Pachuca that found its way into his own net, denying the home side any reward for their effort. Ignacio Maestro Puch received Puebla's only yellow card in the 57th minute for a foul. The manager made attacking changes late on, bringing on Heriberto Jurado, Omar Moreno and Oscar Villa, but could not overturn the scoreline.
With this result, Puebla's Apertura record stands at four wins, one draw and two losses. The team must move on quickly from this setback as the upcoming fixture list is demanding. Forward E. Mustre, the team's top scorer with three goals, will be a key figure to get back on track against Atlante.
Manager Gerardo Espinoza confirmed the lineup used against Toluca. The team played with a 4-1-4-1 featuring F. Monárrez, M. Tomás, A. Organista, and C. Baltazar completing the starting eleven, according to the club's official data. Puebla, sitting eighth with 13 points and a zero goal difference, will look to recover against Atlante FC.
